Roads Minister backs arrest of jaywalkers on Madina-Adentan highway

The Ministry of Roads and Highways is in support of the arrest of pedestrians who cross the Madina-Adentan highway at unauthorized locations instead of using the newly constructed footbridges on that stretch.

The sector minister, Kwasi Amoako- Attah described as regrettable and unfortunate the lack of patronage of the footbridges.

He said there is a need for the media to continue to educate the public while the police carry out the arrest of those who still risk their lives crossing the highway at dangerous locations.

“People are not using the footbridges. It is unfortunate, it is regrettable and we fully support the action of the police. The media must help us to educate people to use the footbridge for their own safety.”

The police have arrested about 110 pedestrians at Madina Zongo Junction where one of the footbridges is located.

Those arrested in the Wednesday operation abandoned the footbridge to cross the road, with some claiming that they didn’t know the footbridge was ready for use.

The police have since granted the arrested people bail.

The Police have however indicated that they will continue to arrest jaywalkers who fail to use the constructed footbridges on the Madina-Adentan highway.

They said the exercise is necessary following the increasing cases of pedestrian knockdowns.

Two people were reportedly knocked down by vehicles in the last two weeks while they attempted to run across the road facing speeding vehicles.

One person died as a result.

Some pedestrians who spoke to Citi News urged the police to continue with the arrests to deter people from crossing the highway.

“Crossing this road is very dangerous. I agree with the police. They should arrest those who cross the road,” a pedestrian said.

Another pedestrian said, “it is better to use three minutes to use the footbridge than to risk your life to cross the road. The police should enforce our regulations on the use of the footbridge.”

Source: ghanaweb.com